Revealing a deeper, more personal journey, the Academy Award^® nominee, Emmy^®– and Golden Globe^®-winning actor Stanley Tucci returns to his beloved Italy, visiting five new regions – Naples and Campania, Sicily, Le Marche, Sardinia, and Veneto – to trace the link between Italy’s historical landscape and its culinary traditions, where the ritual of the shared meal remains the ultimate expression of its people.

“In Italy, food is never just food. It’s memory, identity and, sometimes, a full-blown argument,” said Tucci. “This season, we explore how the past continues to shape the present, one region and one extraordinary meal at a time. I’m so pleased to share these captivating stories and these wonderful people with you.”

In Season 2, Tucci visits new regions, including Le Marche, a lesser-known destination he’s never featured before. Located in central Italy along the Adriatic coast, the region’s rich culinary delights have largely escaped the attention of international tourists. In Campania and its famed capital, Naples, he celebrates a once-forgotten vine grape, and in Veneto, he deliciously wades into the passionate culinary debate over the origins of tiramisu.

Stanley also explores two very different Islands: Sardinia, where he looks into the relationship between food and longevity, and Sicily, where multicultural history has left a delicious mark on its food.

TUCCI IN ITALY is produced by SALT Productions and BBC Studios. For SALT Productions, Stanley Tucci and Lottie Birmingham are executive producers. For BBC Studios, Amanda Lyon is executive producer, Ben Jessop is co-executive producer, and Alan Holland is head of Specialist Factual Productions. For National Geographic, Yari Lorenzo is executive producer, Bengt Anderson is senior vice president of production, Charlie Parsons is senior vice president of Global Development, and Tom McDonald is executive vice president, National Geographic Content.

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Travel has clearly been a huge part of your life. How did that love first start for you, and what keeps the fire burning after so many years and so many destinations?

“My passion for travel started when my mom gave me the opportunity to see the world as a teenager. We travelled mainly around America and Europe, and those experiences opened my eyes in ways I’ll always be grateful for. Travel exposes you to culture, tolerance, acceptance and constant learning. It’s one of the most beautiful ways to grow as a human being and to develop empathy. After travelling with my family, I moved out and all I wanted to do was keep exploring. Every December, after seeing so much of the United States and Europe, I told myself I wanted to see more of this continent that I love so much. My first African trip was to Victoria Falls in Zimbabwe, and I was hooked from that moment on.”

You’ve visited dozens of countries across Africa and beyond. What is it about travel that still excites you the most?

“For me, it’s the learning. I love learning, and visiting a new place allows you to soak up so much knowledge. I enjoy fully immersing myself in experiences because those moments imprint themselves on you. Your travel stories become part of who you are. Through learning, you develop respect for different people and cultures. You begin to appreciate how others live, think and celebrate. That perspective is priceless.”

As a mother, how has becoming a parent changed the way you experience and approach travel?

“I’ve always wanted my kids to see as much of Africa as possible, but I waited until my youngest was at least five years old. When they’re very young, travelling can be more challenging, and we wanted them to be old enough to truly experience and absorb what they were seeing. Planning trips now requires a completely different lens. You have to consider distance, travel time and health precautions. In parts of Africa, malaria can be a concern, so we make sure we’re properly prepared with medication before and during the trip. Safety is also a key factor. One year, we planned to visit Mozambique, but just before we travelled there was unrest in Maputo and we had to adjust our plans. As a parent, flexibility is everything.”

You recently took the family to Malindi. What made you choose that destination, and how did it compare to your expectations?

“It was actually my second time visiting Malindi, and we absolutely loved it. This time, I visited Gold Beach at Che Shale for the first time. It’s a stretch of coastline famous for its shimmering sand. The “golden” effect is caused by mineral deposits, specifically mica and titanium particles, that are washed down from the interior by the Sabaki River before settling along the shore. The mix of gold and darker, almost black sparkles in the sand creates the most incredible, glistening effect in the sunlight. It was completely mind-blowing to see in person. We also visited the Vasco da Gama Museum, which was fascinating, snorkelled in the warm Indian Ocean, and explored the dunes on quad bikes. The city tour was incredibly interesting, and we even went to Hell’s Kitchen, which looked completely different from when I first visited because of erosion. Experiencing it all again, but this time as a mother, was truly eye-opening.”

Was there anything about Malindi that surprised even you?

“The consistency of the weather! We had hot, 35-degree weather every single day, which is very different from South Africa where conditions change quickly. That consistency meant we could fully enjoy every activity we planned without worrying about sudden shifts in weather.”

From a cultural and sensory perspective, what stood out most?

“The Maasai culture stood out deeply for me. Watching them perform. the jumping, the singing, the pride in their heritage, was incredibly emotional. They are so proud of who they are. As South Africans, we’re familiar with diverse cultures, but experiencing something different firsthand is always special. It’s very different from Zulu or Xhosa culture, for example. Their beadwork is extraordinary and unique to East Africa. What made it special is that while we all share beadwork traditions as Africans, we express them differently. The patterns, colours and techniques vary and that diversity is beautiful.”

You’ve made it a mission to explore as much of Africa as possible. Why is that so important to you?

“Simply put, Africa is the best continent in the world. I may be biased, but I truly believe that. If more Africans travelled within Africa, we would appreciate each other more and collaborate more. Unfortunately, it can be difficult to travel across our own continent due to various barriers. If we were able to work together more seamlessly, we could all grow together. A thriving Africa means a thriving South Africa. Seeing the potential across the continent motivates me to explore as much of it as I can. There’s so much opportunity here, and we need to collaborate more with our neighbouring countries.”

After Malindi, what’s next on your travel list for 2026?

“I would love to do another solo trip, but as a mom of two, that’s not always easy! More than anything, I want to continue exploring Africa with my kids. They are obsessed with travelling the continent, and that makes me so proud. It makes me feel like I’m doing something right as a parent. We haven’t decided where we’re going next just yet, but we’ll be pulling out the map, creating a wish list, weighing up the pros and cons, and then choosing our next adventure together.”

For Carol Ofori, travel is more than movement. It is growth, it is connection and above all, it is a love letter to a continent she believes the world, and Africans themselves, should explore more deeply.

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A Prestigious Apple TV Catalogue on Long-Haul Flights

On all its long-haul flights, Air France now offers exclusive access to a selection of Apple TV programs.

During their trip, customers can enjoy some of the most acclaimed original series of the moment, such as Ted Lasso, The Morning Show, and Severance. Series promoting the French lifestyle, like Carême, are also available. Documentaries such as Prehistoric Planet and The Reluctant Traveler with Eugene Levy, as well as children’s content including WondLa and The Snoopy Show, complete the catalogue.

The first three episodes of each series are featured in a dedicated channel within the in-flight entertainment system. They are accessible on each passenger’s individual screen, in French and English, with subtitles and accessibility options for the deaf and hard-of-hearing. In total, 45 hours of entertainment are available, with content renewed every two months.

Discover Apple TV Via Air France’s High-Speed WiFi Service, Available Soon on All Flights

Air France also offers one week of free access to Apple TV content via its new high-speed wifi portal. This is an ideal way to enjoy the service on personal devices throughout the airline’s network, and to continue watching your favourite series after the flight.

This feature, currently available via the portal, will soon be enhanced with content by Air France and Apple TV to offer travelers a bespoke trial experience exclusively on board.

Air France is gradually rolling out its new high-speed wifi service across its fleet, including regional aircraft. The service will be extended to all aircraft by the end of the year.

Over 1,500 Hours of In-Flight Entertainment

On all long-haul flights, each passenger has access to a high-definition screen offering over 1,500 hours of on-demand entertainment. In the most recent cabins, the anti-glare screen, offering 4K quality, is equipped with a Bluetooth connection for connecting personal headphones or earphones. In addition, the airline is gradually rolling out a new touch-sensitive graphic interface on its 38,000 screens, available in 12 languages and allowing passengers to choose their programmes more easily.

Air France’s carefully selected entertainment offer caters to diverse tastes and cultures, and is available in the original version or dubbed into multiple languages. The airline dedicates 30% of its entertainment offer to French productions, showcasing French cinema through a selection of films and series.

In total, more than 310 films of all genres, from the most classic to the most recent, are on offer. Air France’s entertainment offer is further enhanced through exclusive partnerships (Canal+, Apple TV), providing a wide selection of series, reports, documentaries, music, podcasts, destination guides and children’s programmes. There’s also a section dedicated to well-being, where young and old alike can try their hand at meditation or chair yoga during their trip. Finally, an interactive map and an on-board camera allow users to follow the flight path and watch the take-off and landing from their seat.

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For those looking for an iconic European city to visit during the colder months, KLM Royal Dutch Airlines shares four reasons why Amsterdam deserves a spot on your winter travel list.

Better Deals and Fewer Crowds

Winter is generally the off-season for tourism in Amsterdam, with the exception of the busy Christmas and New Year period. From early January through February, accommodation prices drop noticeably compared to the summer peak, offering excellent value for travellers. With fewer visitors and shorter queues, you can enjoy major attractions at a more relaxed pace, whether you’re exploring the Anne Frank House, wandering through the Rijksmuseum, taking a peaceful winter canal cruise, or cycling along quieter city streets.

The Amsterdam Light Festival

From late November through January, Amsterdam becomes a dazzling, open-air gallery thanks to the annual Amsterdam Light Festival. This event transforms the city’s historic canals and bridges into a canvas for international artists. Instead of just looking at architecture, travellers are invited to experience it. The best way to view the complex installations is from the water itself. Taking a Light Festival Canal Cruise brings travellers closer to the illuminated art pieces, offering a perspective that is impossible to replicate on foot. It’s a magical, festive experience that truly lights up the darker winter evenings.

Ice Skating and Festive Markets

While the city’s famous canals rarely freeze solid enough for public skating anymore, Amsterdam sets up spectacular temporary ice rinks that capture the old-world winter spirit. The most iconic rink is often found at the Museumplein, directly in front of the illuminated Rijksmuseum. The city also hosts a number of festive markets like Winter Paradise and the ice village at Museumplein, which offer everything from churros and glühwein to live entertainment, making it the perfect winter outing.

Experiencing Amsterdam’s Winter ‘Gezelligheid’

No winter trip to Amsterdam is complete without experiencing gezelligheid – that uniquely Dutch sense of warmth, comfort and togetherness. When the air gets colder, the city leans into its cosy side: glowing windows, busy cafés, and the kind of friendly, intimate atmosphere that makes you want to linger a little longer. Slip into one of Amsterdam’s iconic brown cafés, where wooden interiors, soft lighting and welcoming locals create the perfect escape from the chill. Whether sipping something warm or sharing classic winter treats like oliebollen or bitterballen, that easy charm that makes Amsterdam in winter so special is undeniable.

For South Africans, Amsterdam is wonderfully accessible, and getting there is part of the experience. KLM operates daily flights from both Johannesburg and Cape Town straight to Amsterdam’s Schiphol Airport, making your winter escape seamless from the moment you take off. With world-class service, convenient schedules and effortless connections, KLM takes the hassle out of long-haul travel. To explore routes or book your next adventure, visit www.klm.co.za. 

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Its newest title, GadgetWings, this week celebrates its first anniversary. Launched on 2 September 2024, it was South Africa’s first online magazine focused exclusively on travel technology and trends. It was introduced as a strategic response to the growing role of technology in every aspect of travel, from booking and navigation to in-flight and airport experiences.

“The vibrancy of the travel sector, and the way technology shapes every step of the journey, made a dedicated platform essential,” says Arthur Goldstuck, CEO of World Wide Worx and editor-in-chief of Gadget. “Travel is now about the destination as well as the journey, and that journey is increasingly defined by technology.”

Since launch, GadgetWings has delivered a steady stream of travel insights, trends and reviews three times a week, distributed not only on the Gadget website but also through the Ayoba app, where Gadget has more than 150,000 users, and on the Microsoft Network (MSN) platform, extending its reach worldwide.

At the same time, Gadget.co.za, Africa’s longest-running online consumer technology site, reached the one-million page view mark for the first time in July. The milestone reflects growing demand for clear, independent coverage of consumer technology and digital lifestyle trends.

The company has also expanded its editorial leadership. Jason Bannier has been appointed deputy editor of Gadget. “My passion for gaming has been instrumental in my role at Gadget,” says Bannier. “It has given me a deeper understanding of how technology shapes experiences, and I look forward to applying that in our coverage.”

Content manager Angelique Mogotlane next month marks her third year with the company, graduating from an intern position to her current role overseeing content platforms. According to Mogotlane, “The advent of AI has been both a challenge and an opportunity to experiment with imagery and content creation. It has pushed us to rethink how we deliver stories visually, while keeping our editorial standards intact.”

Meanwhile, GadgetWheels editor Sheryl Goldstuck completes her second year as a jury member for the South African Car of the Year awards, having served first as a trainee and now as an elected member. “The vibrancy of automotive technology evolution has made my role all the more central in the motoring journalism sector,” she says. “Being part of the Car of the Year jury provides a perspective that feeds directly into our reviews and analysis.”

Arthur Goldstuck, in turn, this year marks his 14^th year as a judge in the Vodacom Journalist of the Year awards, where his role includes oversight of the Innovation, Economic and Sustainability categories. Being exposed to the best journalism South Africa has to offer, he believes, has helped sharpen the editorial standards of the group.

“These milestones reflect the work of our editorial team and the trust of our readers,” says Goldstuck. “From the emergence of GadgetWings to the reach of Gadget, and the recognition of our team members, we are continuing to shape the conversation about how technology influences everyday life, travel and mobility.”

About World Wide Worx

World Wide Worx is South Africa’s independent technology research and media company, producing cutting-edge research reports and publishing Africa’s longest-running online consumer technology magazine, Gadget.co.za. Its specialist titles include GadgetWheels, focused on automotive technology, and GadgetWings, covering travel technology and trends.

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